Despite significant uncertainty and debate in the lead up to the event, organisers believe the amount of people who turned up for the New Year's Eve fireworks display at Tuncurry exceeded previous years.
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MidCoast Council economic development officer, Robyn Brennan, said an estimated 10,000 people took part in the celebrations.
She believed the increase in numbers might have been helped by the cancellation of fireworks displays at nearby locations like Pacific Palms and Port Macquarie.
"We presume it's got something to do with other regions cancelling their fireworks," she said.
She also believed many people just wanted to enjoy the occasion and mark the transition between one year and the next.
"It's a new year, it's a new start," she said.
"It's an opportunity to come together and recognise current issues but also look to the future."
This sentiment was shared by Len Newman, whose band The Big Fins provided the live entertainment for the night at John Wright Park.
"I guess on the back of all the stuff going on at the moment with the fires and the drought everyone was happy to be out and about and enjoying a festive mood," he said.
"It was a great crowd."
Ms Brennan said council was committed to cancelling the fireworks display if a total fire ban was in place, but thanks to favourable conditions, the measure wasn't necessary.
However, she said the decision to move the fireworks barge south of the bridge was not only made to provide greater viewing opportunities, but also in the interest of safety.
Placing the barge on the southern side of the bridge gave it greater protection from swell and wind, she said, and the measure would be ongoing.
She added that the event had once again had a positive impact on the local economy, with many of the restaurants full and locals such as The Big Fins brought in for the occasion.
"That's part of the reason why council puts so much focus into continuing the event," she said.
"All the providers and vendors we bring in for the night are locals."
Ultimately, she believed the amount of people who continued to show up and enjoy the event more than justified its existence.
"It's a great opportunity to have an easy night out with kids and get in the mood for New Year's Eve," she said.
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